Fireworks are expected in Kakamega county on Saturday as the Kieleweke movement converges at Amalemba grounds, in what has been termed as the biggest gathering involving leaders who are against William Ruto’s presidency.
COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli will be the big attraction as he brings together leaders from Jubilee and NASA to form what is looking to be a new political arrangement.
“It will be a big meeting,” Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala told a local daily “We want to provide political direction to our people by inviting leaders from other areas and learning from them.”
Nominated MP Maina Kamanda and former Gatanga MP Peter Gatanga will lead the group of politicians from Mt. Kenya region.
Cherangany MP Joshua Kuttuny will lead the team of from Rift Valley to the event which will bring together friends of the handshake.
“We will have a new coalition in 2022. The President has been candid that we can’t follow the same path we used before, and that we will have an inclusive government.” The self-proclaimed Kieleweke leader has been quoted by Daily Nation.
On Wednesday, during the Labor Day celebrations, Atwoli insisted that President Uhuru Kenyatta is not going anywhere in 2022 and the constitution must be changed to make sure he remains in government.
Atwoli has been one of the biggest force behind the push for a referendum, arguing that Kenyans always fight after every election because some feel left out after.
During a fundraiser in Lamu last month, the veteran trade unionist said that there will be enough positions in government and even Mombasa governor Hassan Joho will be included. He however insisted that Ruto will not be on the ballot.
It is not yet clear if the Kakamega meeting has the blessings of President Uhuru Kenyatta and his brother Raila Odinga. The two have always insisted that 2022 politics was not part of the handshake.
Kamanda has urged Mt. Kenya region to support the handshake because it will ensure they remain in power.
Kakamega is the home of Boni Khalwale, one of Ruto’s most loyal soldiers and everyone is waiting to see how the Kieleweke team will be received.